Ancient Roman temple complex, with ruins of building where Caesar was stabbed, opens to tourists
Visitors can now walk through site near where Julius Caesar was killed.
Rome has opened the centrally located archaeological site in Largo di Torre Argentina to the public for the first time following a major development project sponsored by luxury jeweler Bulgari.
Largo Argentina
Information in English and Italian traces the history of the ancient site down through the centuries, from the Republican age to the imperial and medieval times, up to its rediscovery last century with the demolitions during the Fascist period.
The so-called sacred area at Largo Argentina is best known as the scene of Julius Caesar's assassination. Behind two of the temples is a foundation and part of a wall that archaeologists believe were part of Pompey's Curia, a large rectangular-shaped hall that temporarily hosted the Roman Senate when Caesar was murdered.
It is also home to a popular cat sanctuary where
volunteers care for approximately 130 cats, many of which are disabled or ill.
There is an organization that feeds and cares for them as well as provides an
extensive spay and neuter program. The
cats roam freely around the lower level of the ruins. 
One of the resident cats
Walking through history
Now, thanks to the works funded by Bulgari and overseen by Rome's superintendency of cultural heritage, visitors can "walk through history" on raised paths around the site.
The elevated walkways offer close-up views of the four Roman Republican temples, including the circular monument to the goddess of Fortune, and the remains of Pompey's Theater.
Walkways allow close inspection of the site
In addition, there are two new exhibition areas in the portico of the medieval Torre del Papito and in the rooms below the street level on Via di S. Nicola de' Cesarini. The spaces have been set up with a selection of finds from the excavations and demolitions from the last century, including fragments of epigraphs, sarcophagi, architectural decorations and two heads of colossal statues representing divinities once venerated at the site.
 |
| Exhibition area in Torre del Papito |
The four temples, originally designated by the letters A, B, C, and D, front onto a paved street, which was reconstructed in the imperial era, after the fire of AD 80.
Temple A was built in the 3rd century BC, and is probably the Temple of Juturna built by Gaius Lutatius Catulus after his victory against the Carthaginians in 241 BC. It was later rebuilt as a church, the apse of which is still present.
Temple B, a circular temple with six columns remaining, was built by Quintus Lutatius Catulus in 101 BC in fulfillment of his vow at the Battle of Vercellae. The temple was devoted to Fortuna Huiusce Diei, "the Fortune of This Day."
Temple C is the most ancient of the four, dating back to 4th or 3rd century BC, and was probably devoted to Feronia the ancient Italic goddess of fertility. After the fire of AD 80, this temple was restored, and the white and black mosaic of the inner temple cella dates back to this restoration.
Temple D is the largest of the four, dates back to the 2nd century BC with Late Republican restorations, and was devoted to Lares Permarini (Lares who protect sailors), but only a small part of it has been excavated (a street covers most of it).
 |
| A view of the area from above shows the four temples |
Rome superintendent Claudio Parisi Presicce said "a very important area has been returned to the city, allowing everyone to admire a cross-section of history spanning more than two millennia."
Bulgari and Rome
The Bulgari brand, which was founded in Rome in 1884, has funded several important restorations in the Italian capital in recent years, including the Spanish Steps.
The opening of the area sacra at Largo Argentina comes two weeks after Bulgari inaugurated a five-star hotel beside the Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome's historic center.
Adapted from an article on the Wanted in Rome website
No comments:
Post a Comment